What Are Free Consultations and What Do They Include?

If you’re considering hiring a lawyer for a personal injury claim, you may have noticed that some law firms, including John J. Malm & Associates, offer free consultations, while others charge a fee. A free consultation is an opportunity to discuss your case with a qualified attorney and explore your legal options without any initial financial commitment. Here, we’ll explain what a free consultation includes, why some firms offer free consultations and others don’t, the types of personal injury cases our Illinois personal injury lawyers handle, and how our fee structure works.

What Does a Free Consultation Include?

When you schedule a free consultation with the top-rated Illinois personal injury lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates, you’ll receive a dedicated session with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys who will take the time to understand your situation and provide tailored guidance. Here’s what you can expect during a free consultation:

1. Case Review and Assessment
   We’ll start by discussing the details of your incident, including when and how the injury occurred, who was involved, and any evidence or documentation you’ve gathered so far. This includes police reports, witness statements, photos, and medical records. Our attorneys will assess the circumstances and determine whether you may have a viable claim for compensation.
2. Explanation of Your Legal Rights and Options
   Our Illinois personal injury attorneys will explain your legal rights under Illinois law, detailing the options available to you based on your case. This may include pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages related to your injury. We’ll also cover any specific legal processes, including negotiations with insurance companies and the potential for litigation.
3. Overview of Potential Challenges and Next Steps
   During the consultation, we’ll be transparent about any potential challenges your case may face, such as proving liability or dealing with disputed claims. Our goal is to provide you with a realistic view of the road ahead. We’ll outline the next steps and explain how we can help guide you through each stage of the legal process if you decide to work with us.
4. Understanding Our Contingency Fee Structure
   We’ll explain our contingency fee arrangement, which means you won’t pay us any upfront fees. Instead, we only collect fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. We’ll go over our fees and answer any questions you have so you can make an informed decision.
5. Personalized Answers to Your Questions
   We welcome your questions during a free consultation. Whether you’re unsure about how long your case might take, how insurance companies approach claims, or how to manage your medical bills, our personal injury attorneys will provide clear, honest answers tailored to your situation.

A free consultation is not only an opportunity for you to learn about your legal options, but it’s also a chance to get a sense of our team’s commitment to personalized service. At John J. Malm & Associates, we believe in empowering clients to make informed decisions about their cases and helping them understand each step before moving forward.

Why Do Some Lawyers Offer Free Consultations While Others Don’t?

Offering a free consultation is a choice each law firm makes based on its practice model and priorities. Here are some reasons why some lawyers offer free consultations and others do not:

1. Client Accessibility
   Firms that offer free consultations, like John J. Malm & Associates, want to make it easier for clients to explore their options without financial pressure. For many people, deciding to pursue a legal case is a big step, and a free consultation allows them to assess their case risk-free.
2. Focus on Personal Injury and Contingency Work
   Many firms that handle personal injury cases work on a contingency fee basis, where they only get paid if the client wins. This makes free consultations a natural fit, as the firm evaluates cases to determine if they can be successful together. Firms that work primarily on hourly or retainer fees may be less likely to offer free consultations because of the upfront financial commitment required for these cases.
3. Client Education and Relationship Building
   Offering a free consultation helps build trust with potential clients by giving them a chance to meet the team, understand the process, and receive initial advice without pressure. At John J. Malm & Associates, we see this as a way to start building a supportive attorney-client relationship from day one.
4. Different Business Models and Fee Structures
   Firms that operate on an hourly basis or require retainer-based payment structures may choose not to offer free consultations. For these firms, the focus is often on clients who have already retained their services and are financially committed to ongoing representation. Billing hourly for consultation time fits their model, which allows them to concentrate on clients who require ongoing, dedicated legal support rather than potential clients seeking initial guidance.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

At John J. Malm & Associates, we focus exclusively on personal injury law and have experience handling a wide range of cases, including:

• Car Accidents: Representing victims of car crashes, including rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, and hit-and-runs. We handle cases involving various types of injuries, including head trauma, back and neck injuries, fractures, and shoulder injuries.
• Truck Accidents: Truck accidents often involve complex liability issues and severe injuries. Our attorneys are skilled in handling claims involving large trucks, commercial vehicles, and issues like driver fatigue or improper maintenance.
• Slip and Fall (Premises Liability): Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe premises. We represent clients injured in slip-and-fall accidents on commercial or residential properties due to hazards such as slippery floors, icy surfaces, and defective stairs.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road. We represent motorcyclists injured due to the negligence of other drivers and work to recover compensation for their often severe injuries.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: These cases involve unique dynamics and higher risks of severe injury. We represent pedestrians and cyclists struck by vehicles and help them navigate the complexities of liability.
• Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Illinois law holds pet owners liable for injuries their animals cause. We represent clients injured by dog bites or other animal attacks, helping them recover for medical treatment, scarring, and emotional trauma.
• Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: We represent vulnerable seniors and their families in cases of nursing home abuse or neglect, holding facilities accountable for injuries or mistreatment due to poor care, inadequate staffing, or unsafe conditions. This includes cases involving falls, infections, medication errors, and other forms of harm.
• Wrongful Death: When a loved one’s death is caused by another party’s negligence, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Our dedicated Illinois personal injury attorneys provide compassionate representation to help families obtain justice and compensation in these difficult cases.

Each of these cases involves its own unique set of challenges, and our attorneys bring the skill and dedication needed to secure fair compensation for our clients.

When Do We Charge a Fee?

At John J. Malm & Associates, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we only collect fees if we recover compensation for you. This structure benefits our clients in the following ways:

1. No Upfront Costs: You won’t need to worry about paying for legal representation out of pocket. We cover all initial expenses, including filing fees, investigation costs, and expert witness fees. Our clients can focus on their recovery without the added stress of legal expenses.
2. Aligned Interests: Since we only get paid a professional fee if you win, our interests are aligned with yours. We work tirelessly to maximize the compensation you receive, knowing that our payment depends on the success of your case.
3. Percentage-Based Fees: Our fees are typically 1/3 (33.33%) of the settlement or verdict we secure on your behalf. We’ll discuss this percentage upfront during your consultation so that you fully understand the cost structure before moving forward.
4. Transparency: Throughout your case, we will keep you informed about costs, progress, and what to expect. We’re committed to transparency, so you’ll never encounter surprise fees.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. The top-rated Illinois personal injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates offer free consultations at our offices in Naperville and St. Charles. We also offer the option for free consultations virtually, via Zoom or Facetime. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options at no initial cost.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery and justice.